1970-1978

Grand Conventions, 1970-1978: Through words and pictures

Grand Convention, 1970

Coronado, Calif.

Norma A. Jorgensen, in The Kite:

“Although the Grand Convention is the legislative body of the fraternity, and important business matters will be taken care of here, it is much more. It is the living testament to the national fraternity bond which brings women of all ages together as friends and as equals; the sharing of friendship, companionship, and serious concerns.”

Grand Convention, 1972

Wentworth-by-the-Sea, N.H.

Grand Convention, 1974

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Suzy Hagstrom, Omega/UC Berkeley, in The Magazine:

"For some reason I appreciated the delegates of my own chapter more and I felt that I was a part of national Kappa Alpha Theta. What causes dear little old ladies to attend convention year after year or remain active in Theta is the idea of working together. Five hundred women of all shapes and sizes – with occasional times out for a few laughs, a few happy hours, and a few dips in the pool – jotted down new ideas to bring to home chapters, voted on legislation, and ran the business of Kappa Alpha Theta.”

Grand Convention, 1976

Palm Beach, Fla.

The Kite:

"Patsy Warren Sheaff, advisory board chairman of Omega, and Jean MacLaren Banta, advisory board chairman of Alpha Xi, just happened to end up as roommates at this convention. Upon learning each other’s maiden names, they realized that 38 years ago they had been undergraduates living in the Theta house at the University of Oregon. Patsy said, 'The hair and the teeth change, but the smile doesn’t.'"

Grand Convention, 1978

Portland, Ore.

Mary Ann Mullen, Alpha Gamma/Ohio State, in The Kite:

"Four women had the foresight to understand life. They understood that it wasn’t the turbulence that formed the person but rather the helpful hand that helps one to pick up the pieces. Perhaps this sounds like superfluous rhetoric. If it is, why are here? Why do women devote hours of their so-called discretionary time to this organization? And how could I stand up here and tell you I am a far better person for the influence of Kappa Alpha Theta on me? Each one of us was selected with love and careful thought to perpetuate the ideals of Kappa Alpha Theta through time. We are the inspiration now. It is our responsibility to act at all times with love and careful thought and provide for our sisters the directing forces that have been given us.”